Electrical Safety: Landlord Duties and EICRs in England

Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards England 4 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of England

Tenants in England have rights when it comes to electrical safety in their homes. Landlords must keep fixed wiring and consumer units safe, arrange inspections, and fix dangerous faults promptly. This article explains what an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is, the typical deadlines landlords must meet, and practical steps renters can take if inspections or repairs are delayed, including reporting hazards to your local council or applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The language is plain and focused on what a tenant can do right now to protect safety and press for repairs.

What landlords must do

Since the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 landlords must ensure the electrical installation in a privately rented property is safe and inspected by a qualified person at least every five years.[2] Guidance for landlords and tenants explains EICR requirements, timing and enforcement details.[1] These requirements sit alongside broader tenancy law such as the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 which govern landlord and tenant obligations and remedies.[5][6]

  • Arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least once every five years and after major electrical work.
  • Complete any non-urgent remedial works within 28 days and make immediate repairs sooner if the report shows danger.
  • Provide a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days and keep a copy for the next inspection cycle.
  • Supply the EICR to the local housing authority on request and follow any enforcement notices issued by that authority.
Ask your landlord for a dated copy of the EICR and keep it with other tenancy records.

EICRs explained

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal report produced by a competent electrician after inspecting fixed electrical installations. It records the condition of wiring, sockets, switches and safety devices and categorises observations (for example C1 "Danger" or C2 "Potentially dangerous"). If an EICR shows C1 or C2 findings the landlord must act quickly to make the property safe. Official guidance and examples of reports are available from central government.[1]

What an EICR will show

  • Documented observations and any C1/C2/C3 codes describing risk and required remedial work.
  • Advice on repairs needed and, where relevant, timescales to make installations safe.
  • Information about the electrician who carried out the inspection.
Keeping dated photos and copies of communications strengthens your case if you need formal action.
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What to do if your landlord does not comply

If your landlord does not arrange inspections or fails to fix dangerous wiring, take these practical steps: contact your landlord in writing, report the issue to your local authority environmental health team, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if the landlord still does not act. You can find how the tribunal handles property disputes on the government site.[3]

  • Contact your landlord in writing and state the hazard, citing any EICR findings or safety concerns.
  • Call or report the hazard to your local council’s environmental health or housing standards team and request enforcement action.[4]
  • Submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if repairs are not made; include copies of the EICR, messages and photos as evidence.
  • Keep all records: the EICR, emails, texts, receipts for urgent repairs you pay for, and dated photos of faults.
Report immediate electrical dangers to your landlord and avoid using affected sockets or circuits until fixed.

FAQ

Who must arrange an EICR?
The landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for an EICR for privately rented properties in England and for carrying out any required repairs.
How often must an EICR be done?
An EICR must be carried out by a competent person at least every five years, or sooner if specified by previous reports or after major electrical work.
What can I do if my landlord ignores a dangerous EICR result?
Tell the landlord in writing, report to your local council’s environmental health team and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with evidence if the problem is not resolved.

How-To

  1. Ask your landlord in writing for a copy of the current EICR and keep the dated response as evidence.
  2. If there is an immediate danger, contact your local council or emergency services and stop using the unsafe circuits.
  3. Submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or request enforcement from the local housing authority if repairs are not completed.
  4. Keep organised records: EICR copies, correspondence, photos and receipts for any repairs you pay for yourself.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] GOV.UK - Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector: guidance for landlords, tenants and local housing authorities
  2. [2] Legislation.gov.uk - The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
  3. [3] GOV.UK - First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
  4. [4] GOV.UK - Find your local council
  5. [5] Legislation.gov.uk - Housing Act 1988
  6. [6] Legislation.gov.uk - Rent Act 1977

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Emma Clarke
Emma Clarke

UK Housing Rights Researcher, Tenant Rights UK

Emma covers private and social renting across England and Wales, with a strong grounding in the Renters (Reform) Act, Section 21 no-fault evictions, and deposit protection schemes. She has been writing about UK tenant rights and housing policy since 2017.

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